From George Washington to American Philosophical Society, 13 December 1783

Philad. Decr 13th 1783

Gentlemen

While you recall to my mind the honor formerly done me by enrolling my name in the List of the Members of your Society, you
greatly heighten the pleasure of your present congratulations.

For if I know my own inclination, it is to be the friend and associate to men of Virtue &
philosophical knowledge; or if I have a wish ungratified, it is that the Arts & Sciences may continue to flourish
with encreasing lustre.

In the philosophic retreat to which I am retiring, I shall often contemplate with pleasure the extensive utility of your
Institution—The field of investigation is ample—the benefits which will result to Human Society from discoveries yet
to be made, are indubetable—and the task of studying the works of the great Creator, inexpressibly delightful.

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“From George Washington to American Philosophical Society, 13 December 1783,” Founders Online, National Archives, accessed April 11, 2019, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/99-01-02-12178. [This is an
Early Access document
from The Papers of George Washington.
It is not an authoritative final version.]

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